Baltimore County News

Testing Available Feb. 1 - 8 in Observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

The Baltimore County Department of Health is hosting seven free HIV testing clinics in observance ofNational Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day(NBHAAD). The clinics will be held from February 1 to 8 and are open to everyone, regardless of race.

February 7, 2016 is NBHAAD’s 16th year. The initiative aims to raise awareness of HIV among African Americans. One of its key components is testing as it is hoped that African Americans will mark February 7 of every year as their annual or biannual day to get tested for HIV.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the more than 1.1 million people in the United States estimated to have HIV, approximately 15.8% are unaware of it. And, although African Americans represent approximately 12% of the U.S. population, they account for 47% of the HIV diagnoses.

“Even though these clinics are being held in observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, it’s critical for everyone ages 13 and older to get tested and to know their status,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services. “What you don’t know can hurt you—and others. So take advantage of our free testing opportunities.”

All testing is oral, and the results are provided within 20 minutes. No appointment is necessary.

HIV Clinic Schedule

February 1, from 8:30 AM to 3 PM

Hannah More Health Center - 12035 Reisterstown Road, 21136

February 1, from 9 AM to 2 PM

Drumcastle Government Center - 6401 York Road, 21212

February 2, from 5 to 7 PM

Woodlawn Health Center - 1811 Woodlawn Drive, 21207

February 3, from 9 AM to Noon

Towson Health Center - 1046 Taylor Avenue, 21286

February 4, from 8:30 AM to Noon

Lansdowne Health Center - 3902 Annapolis Road, 21227

February 4, from 9 AM to 2 PM

Drumcastle Government Center - 6401 York Road, 21212

February 8, from 5 to 7 PM

Liberty Family Resource Center - 3525 Resource Drive, 21133

Please note in the event of inclement weather, the clinics may be canceled, and will not be rescheduled. For cancellation information, call 410-887-4381.

1.2 Million People in U.S. are HIV Infected – 14 Percent of Them Don't Know It

In observance of National HIV Testing Day, this Saturday, June 27, the Baltimore County Department of Health will offer free HIV testing at seven sites. Make HIV testing a part of your primary care routine by joining us at one of the sites on Saturday, June 27 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and bring a loved one with you.

Did you know that more than 1.2 million people in our country have HIV/AIDS? Fourteen percent of these men and women don’t even know they are infected. HIV does not discriminate and contrary to popular belief, HIV and sexually-transmitted-infection tests are not routinely included in an annual physical or gynecological exam. As a result, it’s critical to take control of your health, get tested and know your status.

Easy and Painless Testing

Taking an HIV test is easy and painless! Rapid HIV testing will be provided at the testing sites. This means samples can be collected by a mouth swab or a prick of the finger and the results are available in about 20 minutes. Knowing your HIV status empowers you to manage your health, while protecting yourself and others.

Not available on June 27? No problem. You can schedule a time and date that works for you. Contact the Baltimore County Department of Health at 410-887-2437. For more information on HIV visit http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/go/gettested.